Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine has thwarted a move by Water Authority officials to implement the Quality and Cost-Based System (QCBS) while awarding contracts.
The QCBS allows to award contracts of works costing more than Rs 5 crore to contractors who quote 50 per cent more than the lowest tender.
The minister scuppered the move since it would pave the way for corruption. He also instructed the department to examine if any contract had been awarded under the QCBS.
The previous government introduced the QCBS to ensure quality work.
The Managing Director of the State Water Authority, S Venkatesapathy, issued an order on March 20, 2021 to implement QCBS. The order was issued based on the decision made at a meeting of the Authority's managing committee, held at its headquarters on February 23.
The order, however, was issued without the knowledge or approval of the minister.
The minister intervened after he received several complaints saying the system would lead to widespread corruption. The complaints said selecting a contractor based on a questionnaire and not on the basis of the amount quoted would not be in the best interests of the State.
It was also pointed out that the QCBS was implemented without adequate discussions or studies, catering to the interests of a few officials.
The Authority, meanwhile, rolled out QCBS in three districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta.
The contract of Jal Jeevan Mission-related works was awarded to a contractor who had quoted a higher amount in Kollam. The minister stepped in when it sparked a controversy.
Those opposed to QCBS said the system, which has not been mentioned in the Public Works manual, would lead to nepotism.
Responding, the Water Authority said its intention was to ensure the quality of projects and to complete them on time.
